From 1 January 2019: Ban on plastic drinking straws and stirrers

As part of its policy to cut plastic pollution, the Prince’s Government has decided to introduce a ban on plastic drinking straws and drinks stirrers with effect from 1 January 2019. Consumers are invited to use bamboo or metal substitutes instead.

Efforts to reduce the use of plastic began in 2016 with a ban on single-use plastic shopping bags. Environmentally-friendly bags are required to contain a certain proportion of organically sourced materials, which will rise gradually to a level of 60% by 2025.

Marie-Pierre GRAMAGLIA, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development, said: “reducing plastic waste is key to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, as it accounts for around 11% of the total weight and 80% of the greenhouse gases emitted by waste incineration”. The Minister added that “plastic is also responsible for 75% of pollution in the seas and oceans, in the form of micro-particles that are harmful to biodiversity. It truly is key to preserving marine biodiversity”.

In 2014, the Ministry of the Environment launched a “Responsible Trading” scheme to encourage manufacturers, traders and consumers in the Principality to adopt ecologically responsible practices. Some 67 traders across Monaco have already been awarded the “Responsible Trading” label.

In 2019, the Ministry of the Environment will launch the “Responsible Restaurant” scheme. The initiative is aimed specifically at restaurants and take-away food outlets, who will be given assistance to eliminate single-use plastic packaging and utensils.

Valérie DAVENET, Director of the Department of the Environment, emphasised that “this free and personalised support is offered to any establishments that ask for it. The label highlights the best practices to which many restaurateurs in the Principality of Monaco are already committed. Reducing plastic waste and combating food waste are key to this initiative”.

The plastic ban will be extended to cotton buds, plates, cups and cutlery on 1 January 2020.